Intermediate care: An occupational therapy perspective

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the involvement of occupational therapists in the development of intermediate care services in England. A non-experimental survey design was employed and a postal questionnaire was sent to 414 members of the specialist section of the College of Occupational Therapists: Older People. Quantitative and qualitative data from the 159 respondents was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis respectively. Results indicate that the occupational therapists in this study were heavily involved in the development of intermediate care services. This included the creation and monitoring of integrated equipment stores and in the extension of their role to include intermediate care coordination. Intermediate care provision for older people with mental health problems was seen to be an area requiring further development. The National Service Framework for older people continues to provide opportunities for occupational therapists working to further develop and shape services for this growing sector of society.

What are the common areas of risk and their characteristics found in intermediate care from an occupational therapy perspective? A scoping review

“…These perspectives included clinical and professional reasoning/decision-making, opinion, perceptions and reflections. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2017) core guidelines, the National Audit of Intermediate Care (2019) and Grant et al (2007) provided intermediate care definitions. Risk terminology was identified in the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, ‘Embracing risk, Enabling choice’; Department of Health’s, ‘Best Practice in Managing Risk’ and ‘Independence, choice and risk: a guide to best practice in supported decision making’ guidance (DOH, 2007; DOH, 2009; RCOT, 2017).…”

Occupational therapy roles and responsibilities: Evidence from a pilot study of time use in an integrated health and social care trust

“…A second body of literature has explored specific policy and practice change, including the implementation of the Single Assessment Process (Ridout and Mayers, 2006); intermediate care services (Grant et al., 2007); self-assessment (Tucker et al., 2012); personalisation (London-Willis et al., 2012) and the expansion of telecare and assistive technology (Nelson and Senker, 2006; Riley et al., 2008). Related research also investigated how service change impacted upon the role of qualified vis-a-vis assistant-grade practitioners (Mackey, 2005; Nancarrow and Mackey, 2005).…”

“…These include preventative care, with an expansion of such services advocated in Caring for our Future (Department of Health, 2012) and NHS England’s (2014) forward strategy document as a way of reducing reliance on crisis support. The growth of intermediate care has additionally challenged traditional occupational therapy roles (Grant et al., 2007). Importantly, how NHS and local authorities manage boundaries between services has changed, with occupational therapists playing a key role in integrated care through multi-disciplinary working ( Health Service Journal , 2011).…”